BENNINGTON -- A Bennington plant that makes auto parts is closing its doors, putting 143 people out of work.

Plasan Carbon Composites, a company based in Bennington, has announced 143 layoffs today, according to President James Staargaard.

The company says it's consolidating operations at another Plasan facility in Walker, Mich.

The plant will remain open until mid-May.

Vermont Labor Commissioner Annie Noonan says her department is working with the affected employees to explain the benefits they will be eligible for such as job placement assistance, education and retraining and unemployment benefits.

The workers will receive severance packages and a bonus if they stay on until the plant closes.

Senator Dick Sears, (D-Bennington District), said his priority is to focus on finding the employees that have lost their jobs new employment.

“We will be coordinating efforts with Commissioner Annie Noonan and the Department of Labor to ensure these workers have access to all available State and Federal resources. I am hopeful these efforts will lead to job placement for the workers that have been laid off to help ensure the vitality of Bennington,” he said.

Plasan Composites has a sister company in Bennington that makes armaments, Plasan USA, which will remain open.